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Canada’s Inflation Climbs to 2.4% as Gas Prices Surge to Record High

  Canada’s inflation rate accelerated to 2.4% in March , up from 1.8% in February, as the Iran war triggered the largest monthly gasoline price increase on record . Statistics Canada reported that gas prices surged 21.2% month‑over‑month , a supply‑shock response to Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz and broader Middle East instability.  Energy costs were the dominant driver of March inflation, with overall energy prices rising 3.9% year‑over‑year after a sharp decline the month before. Excluding gasoline, inflation would have eased to 2.2% , highlighting how concentrated the price shock was.  Food inflation offered mixed relief: grocery prices rose 4.4% , while fresh vegetables jumped 7.8% due to difficult growing conditions. Restaurant inflation cooled sharply as last year’s tax‑holiday distortions fell out of the annual comparison.  Economists note that while headline inflation spiked, core measures remained relatively tame , giving the Bank of Canada ro...
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Canada’s Capital-Gains Tax Hike Faces Crucial Vote

 

In a pivotal moment for Canadian finance, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government is set to call a vote on a contentious tax change. The proposed hike in the capital-gains tax inclusion rate has sparked debate across the nation, with significant implications for both individuals and businesses.

  • Tax Change Proposal: The government plans to increase the capital-gains tax on gains over C$250,000, affecting a small percentage of Canadians.
  • Potential Impact: Business groups have criticized the move, fearing it could deter investment and exacerbate productivity issues.
  • Political Strategy: The Liberals have separated this tax change from the budget bill, possibly aiming to challenge the Conservatives politically.
  • Revenue Expectations: The tax hike is estimated to generate almost C$20 billion over five years, funding new programs in housing and national defense.

The vote, scheduled for Monday, will be a defining moment for Trudeau’s fiscal policy and could set the stage for Canada’s economic direction in the coming years.

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